New law bans discount fuel price signs

A new law has come into effect which prevents New South Wales petrol stations from displaying discounted fuel prices.

Under the new requirement, petrol price boards must show the cost of two of its top-selling fuels as well as LPG and diesel.

While the law is now in force, petrol stations have 12 months to comply.

New South Wales Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe says the standard price must be displayed, not the reduced price that can be claimed by shopper dockets.

He says research shows drivers felt betrayed by discounted prices on signs.

"They found those signs which did include the discounted price confusing," he said.

"They found that frequently when they turned into the bowser... the price that they understood they were paying for was more expensive, because the discounted price was only applicable to those people with those people with discounted vouchers.

"It's going to ensure that consumers aren't confused by signs. It'll just make that whole process more transparent for consumers looking for the cheapest fuel."